| Biography:
Charles Seemann’s practice emphasizes ERISA and employee benefits law, labor and employment law, and commercial litigation. His practice includes the defense of ERISA plans and plan fiduciaries at both public and private companies, as well as the defense of financial institutions providing services to ERISA plans. Charles’s experience includes investigations and litigation initiated by the Department of Labor; claims for breach of fiduciary duty, both by individual claimants and in the class-action context; and retiree rights, health care, and other benefits-related litigation. These matters involve defined-benefit plans, 401(k) and other defined contribution plans, as well as health & welfare plans.
In addition to ERISA matters, Charles has substantial experience in employment and commercial litigation, including EEO litigation, intellectual property, trade secrets matters, securities fraud, and general commercial matters. He has participated in the resolution of complex and class action matters in a number of jurisdictions, including New York, California, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Georgia, Indiana, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Charles is listed in the "Best Lawyers in America," is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and was recently listed as a "Top Lawyer" in his hometown of New Orleans by New Orleans Magazine. His activities also include regular speaking and writing engagements around the country. Recent topics of these engagements include ERISA, employment law, health care law, and risk management for in-house counsel.
Charles is also active in community and civic affairs and donates his time and professional services to numerous causes. He was named as a Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and has served on its Judicial Liaison Committee since 2000. Charles has received the Distinguished Service Award from the New Orleans Pro Bono Project, and previously chaired the Public Service Committee of the Louisiana State Bar Association. Charles received his J.D. from Louisiana State University, where he served as Articles Editor of the Louisiana Law Review. Currently, he sits on the Law School’s Board of Trustees.
Sample of Recent Reported Cases:
Abbey v. Skokos, et al., No. 06-0409 (S.D.N.Y.), affirmed at 2008 WL 5262687 (2nd Cir. Dec. 18, 2008) obtained dismissal of securities fraud claims against individual managing partner of investment partnership; affirmed on appeal
Ferrer, et al. v. Chevron Corp., 34 Empl. Ben. Cas. (CCH) 1031 (S.D. Miss. Nov. 4, 2004), affirmed at 484 F.3d 776 (5th Cir. 2007) obtained dismissal of twenty-six consolidated ERISA claims alleging breach of fiduciary duty and misrepresentation against corporation sponsoring an enhanced retirement program to accomplish companywide reduction in force; dismissal affirmed on appeal
DiFelice v. US Airways, Inc., 397 F. Supp. 2d 735 (E.D. Va. 2005) obtained dismissal of directed trustee for 401(k) plan in class action claiming breach of fiduciary duty under ERISA
Lake Forest Management, LLC v. HealthMark Partners, Inc., 2004 WL 2473449 (E.D. La. Nov. 3, 2004), affirmed at 138 Fed. Appx. 676 (5th Cir. 2005) obtained bench judgment for developer against claims of bad-faith breach of contract; affirmed on appeal
Reynolds v. Paulson, 871 So. 2d 1215 (La. App. 4th. Cir. 2004) obtained dismissal of corporate officers accused of mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duty; affirmed on appeal
|
